Israel Expands Private Gun Ownership Eligibility

Jerusalem, 1 September, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Monday approved the addition of Kiryat Gat, Kiryat Malachi, Gan Yavne, Megiddo and Tel Mond to the list of localities whose residents may apply for private firearms licenses. The move expands eligibility to about 100,000 more citizens.

Ben-Gvir said easing restrictions on licenses “has already saved many lives,” and strengthens deterrence by empowering citizens to respond to terror attacks.

The five newly added localities join about 60 others, including Ashdod, Ashkelon, Tiberias, Sderot, and large neighborhoods in Jerusalem and Modi’in. Since the initiative’s rollout, around 230,000 new licenses have been issued.